Monday, 16 March 2009

The intention of this blog is to share my experience of being an Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP) (what used to be called an Approved Social Worker, or ASW), practicing under the Mental Health Act 1983 (as recently amended). As and when I conduct an assessment under the Mental Health Act, I intend to summarise it on this blog (anonymously of course). From time to time I may recount selected Mental Health Act Assessments from my past experience, and explore some of the ins and outs and pitfalls of working within the legal framework of the Mental Health Act. I hope this will be informative, entertaining, and at times amusing. (Although you might have to be an AMHP to appreciate the full nuances.)

Bear with me -- it'll be better than that sounds -- wait till I examine the process of identifying the Nearest Relative for the purposes of the Act!

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Why not join? With over 3500 members, it's an ever growing, but nevertheless friendly and supportive group. AMHP's, AMHP trainees, social work and nursing students, service users, carers and relatives, and others with a professional or personal interest in mental health, such as psychiatrists, nurses, psychologists, police officers and bloggers, all get on together (most of the time!). It's a great place to pose a question or discuss thorny issues relating to the Mental Health Act, the Mental Capacity Act and mental health in general.

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Explanation of Terms used in this Blog

About Me

I am an Approved Mental Health Professional working in a semi-rural area in England. I have practised under 3 Mental Health Acts, since as long ago as 1981, even before the 1983 Mental Health Act. Which makes me pretty ancient now.
This blog is designed to illuminate and explain the functions and dlimemmas of an AMHP within the Mental Health Act. It is intended to be of help to professionals and service users alike. I hope that it is both informative and entertaining.
I am also a freelance trainer, and a part time tutor on an AMHP course. I've appeared at conferences all over England and Wales. If you'd like to book me for your conference or training event just send me an email.